Physics
Gravitational Force and Weight
Quick fact
Your weight on Mars is about 38% of what it is on Earth, even though your mass remains unchanged.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever wondered why your weight changes on the Moon but your mass stays the same? It all starts with gravity and weight.
Read the full explanation
Understanding Gravitational Force and Weight
Gravitational force is the pull between any two masses in the universe. Weight is the force that results from this gravitational pull acting on an object's mass. On Earth, gravity pulls objects toward its center, and weight is how we measure that pull.
A deeper explanation
Weight is a result of gravitational force acting on an object's mass. The strength of gravity depends on the mass of the planet or celestial body and the distance from its center. This means that your weight changes depending on where you are in space, but your mass — the amount of matter in your body — stays constant.